MDC
Top Scorer
Julia Gurgel is having a dominant season for the Lady Sharks soccer team. The
Gabriela Bribiesca gives her view on singer/songwriter Chappell Roan’s outrage toward invasive fan behavior, an uncomfortably growing trend.
You Can Vote At MDC
NORTH AND KENDALL CAMPUSES WILL SERVE AS EARLY VOTING SITES FROM OCT. 21-NOV. 3. READ OUR GUIDE FOR AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING AND WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT.
By Nikole Valiente and Daylyin Staples nikole.valiente001@mymdc.net
With Election Day only two weeks away, we’ve compiled a guide with the most important information you need to know for Nov. 5.
Here is what we found:
WHERE YOU VOTE
North Campus , 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., and Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104th St., return as early voting sites from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Registered voters can cast their ballots at Kendall Campus’ Fascell Conference Center in building K or North Campus’ Learning Resources Center in the 2000 building. On Election Day, citizens must vote at their assigned precinct, which is listed on the voter registration card or can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/y2ys5e92.
Miami Dade College’s early voting sites will be hosting voting rallies sponsored by the Institute for Civic Engagement & Democracy and ENGAGE Florida—a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that
Go Vote: Kendall Campus’ Fascell Conference Center in building K and North Campus’ Learning Resources in the 2000 building, will serve as early voting sites from Oct. 21-Nov. 3.
aims to increase voter education and civic engagement.
Kendall Campus will host their voting rally on Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the breezeway in the 2000 building. North Campus’ rally will be on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m in the breezeway in the 4000 building.
“We want to make [voting] a lifetime habit for students,” said Josh Young, collegewide iCED director. “So maybe they vote for the first time here … and they vote in every
Kendall Campus Launches New Podcast Starring Bryan Stewart
President Bryan Stewart hosts Kendall Speaks, a new podcast that highlights the faculty, staff, students and campus happenings at Kendall Campus. It launched on Sept. 11.
By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net
Two months ago, Kendall Campus President Bryan Stewart took Athletic Director Mike Balado on a tour of the Speech Lab. During the visit, Paul Klein—the lab’s manager—suggested Stewart host a podcast to feature the faculty, staff and students at Kendall Campus.
Stewart loved the idea and Kendall Speaks was born.
“This is a huge campus with [more than] 20,000 students and it’s hard sometimes to get programs and events out, and I thought this would be a natural way to hit a different segment of our student population,” Stewart said.
For each show, Stewart and Cristina SaezAguirre, who serves as the head writer of the podcast, prepare about 15 questions. Episodes range from 25 to 30 minutes.
Norman Klein, a tutor in the writing center at Learning Resources, designed the podcast’s logo, which is a blue star outlined in white with a yellow microphone at the center and Kendall Speaks written below.
Paul Klein serves as executive producer, overseeing production of the show and editing of segments. Alex Bello, the podcast’s
producer, checks the sound levels and records.
“I just want it to grow … and get more people to listen and to find out all the great things that are happening here at Kendall Campus,” Paul Klein said. “We have a fantastic product. I just want to get it out there and bring more people in to record and to get their voices out there.”
The show’s set is simple. It features a few chairs, a RODECaster Pro 2 soundboard and RODECaster microphones.
Recording began in September. The first episode, which can be found on the Speech Lab’s YouTube channel, was released on Sept. 11. It features the Kendall Student
Latino Pride
Yazid Guelida, who was born in the United States to a Moroccan father and a Colombian mother, shares his meaning of being Latino.
Book Fair
Returns To
Downtown Miami For Its 41st Rendition
The Miami Book Fair will return to the Wolfson Campus for eight days of books, readings and music. It will take place from Nov. 17-24 in downtown Miami.
By Natalie Maestre natalie.maestre001@mymdc.net
The Miami Book Fair will take over the streets of downtown Miami from Nov. 17-24 as it hosts more than 400 authors during its 41st rendition.
Like last year, the Opening Day Block Party will signal the Book Fair’s official start on Nov. 17.
The event, which hosted more than 2,000 people last year, will feature Funkbox NYC DJs Tony Touch, Hector Romero and Tedd Patterson and a live performance by New York-born singer Joi Cardwell at the Wolfson Campus Plaza. It will kick off at 4 p.m. and run through 9 p.m.
An Evening With , a nighttime series of personal presentations from renowned authors, journalists and community leaders, will also begin on Nov. 17 and continue through Nov. 22.
Notable presenters will include television journalist Don Lemon, CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward and trailblazing Asian-American journalist Connie Chung.
This year’s Book Fair will spotlight several current or former MDC employees such as Laura Drosdowech, Geoffrey Philp, Preston Allen and Nicole Talman, who is currently poet ambassador for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Drosdowech and Philp are showcasing their work at the Street Fair, which will take place Nov. 22-24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Philp is a featured author of the ReadCaribbean program. His graphic novel, I Am Marcus , tells the story of Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey. Philp is using the medium as a path to share Garvey’s message to the youth.
“There’s one thing that Garvey said: ‘with confidence you’ve won before you started.’ How can you not want to pass that on to children?” Philp said.
Drosdowech, the grant compliance officer for Resource Development based at Wolfson Campus, will be found in the Children’s Alley, the plaza next to the 1000 building, promoting her first published book Magical Miami.
It follows Zoe and Zen as they adventure through Miami’s most notable neighborhoods.
“There’s a lot of wonderful, magical
// BRIEFING
Juliette Bryant, Briefing Editor // T (305) 237-2715 // B juliette.bryant001@mymdc.net
North Campus Selects New Interim Chair Of World Languages Department
Daphnée Gilles was appointed interim chair of the World Languages department at North Campus on July 29. She helps students register for language courses, such as English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and French, and oversees the department.
“[I’m excited] that I’m able to serve the student body,” Gilles said.
Gilles started at Miami Dade College in 2000 as an adjunct professor in the English for Academic Purposes program and REVEST. Since becoming full-time in the World Languages department in 2003, she has served as faculty member, advisor, a coordinator and a founder of the Transitional Orientation Workshop.
In addition, Gilles has served as a faculty member of The Honors College at Wolfson Campus since 2011 and taught honors leadership seminars for sophomore students. Since 2019, she has served as an advisor for Wolves in Training, a peer mentoring program in The Honors College.
Gilles received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Florida in 1996. Two years later, she obtained a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Florida International University.
MDC Has 21 Coca-Cola Leaders Of Promise Scholars
Twenty-one Miami Dade College students have been awarded the coveted Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship.
The $1,000 prize helps students cover expenses while working toward an associate’s degree.
Applicants had to be members of Phi Theta Kappa, have at least a 3.5 GPA and have completed between 12 and 36 credit hours.
“I’m really happy,” said Lorena Cardenas, a sophomore studying graphic design in The Honors College at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus. “I wasn’t confident at all, so this actually helped me bring up my confidence.”
Here are the winners:
North:
Estefania Olaiz
Homestead:
Geovanny Marcos-Pedro
Kendall: Nicolas Depetris
Jorge Jiménez O’Relly
Erick Pinzon
Padrón: Silvana Camacaro
Lorena Cardenas
Melissa Castro
Luis Cruz Reyes
Isabella Felix Castillo
Daniela Fonseca
Jose Guizan Gonzalez
Camilo Hernandez
Violeta Krossler
Nicole Liethof
Chabeli Quincoces
Maite Roque Franco
Sthefany Ruiz
Andrea Serra
Paloma Silvera
Samantha Tang
Juliette Bryant
Hialeah Campus To Host Community Halloween Party
Miami Dade College’s Hialeah Campus, 1780 W 49 St., is hosting a community Halloween party on Oct. 31 in the lobby located in the 2000 building from 4-8 p.m.
The event will feature a haunted house, trick or treating, face painting, bounce houses, and shows. Snacks like popcorn and candy will be provided.
“This is an annual community event that gives families a fun experience and an opportunity to get to know the college staff and students,” said Andrea Forero, director of campus administration.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can park on campus for the event.
Flabia Llerena
MDC To Host Weekly Study Abroad Information Sessions
The office of International Education at Miami Dade College is hosting weekly online information sessions throughout December to inform students about study abroad opportunities.
Sessions are held every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will learn about study abroad programs, scholarship options and application requirements.
Prospective applicants need at least a 2.5 GPA, must have completed at least 12 credits and be in good academic standing. Applications are due Dec. 6.
To join the sessions, visit https://tinyurl.com/2yrkc3n3 and use MDC credentials to log in. For more information on the list of programs, visit https://tinyurl. com/yf85h2h7.
Joelle
Worcester
MOAD Makes To Host Walking Workshop With Liene Bosquê
Visual artist and art educator Liene Bosquê will lead a walking workshop to explore Downtown Miami’s landscape and cultural history on Oct. 26 from 4-7 p.m.
Attendees will meet at Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., in the 7000 building lobby. Free parking is available on site.
Participants will create clay impressions of elements they observe in the environment during the tour. Artists can keep the impressions or donate it to Bosquê’s project, Collecting Impressions. The workshop will end with a reflection at Soya e Pomodoro.
The cost to attend is $15 for the general public. However, MDC students, faculty and staff can participate for free by visiting https:// tinyurl.com/mthjnfzb.
Spaces for the workshop are limited to 25-35 participants; advanced registration is required.
Joelle Worcester
Miami Film Festival Launches The Louies, A $100,000 Filmmakers Fund
The Miami Film Festival, in collaboration with the Lynn & Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation, created The Louies—a documentary-based share funding project that will award $100,000 to six local filmmakers.
Winners will be granted the funds to create a short or feature-length documentary.
Three short documentary winners will receive $10,000 to create an eight to 12-minute film and the feature-length documentary winner will receive $50,000 to make a 50-minute film.
Two additional winners will receive $10,000 each to go toward the post-production phase of their feature-length documentaries.
“I think there’s so many wonderful ideas and so many wonderful stories to be told and that people just don’t have the money to tell these stories,” said James Woolley, executive director of MFF.
Applications are open until Nov. 3. Prospective winners must be 18 years old, full-time residents of Miami-Dade County, and a United States citizen or permanent resident.
For more information or to apply, go to https://miamifilmfestival. com/thelouies/.
MDC Library Guides Are Accepting Ghost Stories
Miami Dade College’s Learning Resources is accepting submissions for their fourth annual ghost story contest until Oct. 25.
Stories must be focused on the topic of ghosts and the word count must be a minimum of 600 words and no more than 3,000. They must also be written in size 12 Times New Roman or Garamond font, or size 11 Arial or Arial Nova font.
The top three winners will be announced online on Nov. 15. Winners will receive a Halloween gift basket, their story will be published in the MDC digital commons and they will be featured on a podcast episode with the digital media club. First, second and third place winners will receive $300, $200 and $100, respectively.
Winners and honorary mentions will be able to read their submissions in the MDC digital commons.
Participants may email their stories to MDCGhoststory@gmail.com. The email must include the participant’s home campus, full name and student ID.
It’s free and open to all MDC students. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mfc3jw5w.
Sophia Arenas
Federal Work-Study Positions Available In Miami Dade College Athletics Department
Kendall Campus’ athletics department is offering six federal work study positions.
Two of the openings are secretarial and the rest are part of gameday operations.
Secretaries will answer calls, print paperwork and help at the front desk. Employees in game operations will assist during game days by setting up facilities and live streams and making announcements. They will work up to 25 hours per week.
Applicants must qualify for federal aid and be enrolled in at least one class.
To apply, visit https://www.mdc.edu/jobs/work-study/. For more information, contact Sports Information Coordinator Stephen Delgado at sdelgad7@mdc.edu.
Ivette Gomez
U.S. News & World Report Tabs Miami Dade College As A Top-Five Public School Nationwide
Miami Dade College has been ranked as the fourth best public school nationwide by the U.S. News & World Report, the school’s highest-ranking ever.
Additionally, MDC seized sixth place for best colleges for veterans, 10th for social mobility, 12th for best value and an 18th overall college ranking out of 131 regional southern colleges.
The publication uses criteria such as academic excellence, graduation and retention rates, and faculty quality to determine the rankings.
Maria Eduarda Mottin
GILLES
Flabia Llerena
Benjamin Vera
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL
PHOTO COURTESY OF HUMBERTO PEREZ/PADRÒN CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES
MARCOS J. COMESAÑA / THE REPORTER
GEOVANNY MARCOS / THE REPORTER
Rumbamania: Sharks pump it up to Latin music for Hispanic Heritage Month in a Zumba class led by instructor Liza Paz on Oct. 2 at Kendall Campus’ building G.
Zarzuela Nights: New World School of the Arts Opera Theatre Ensemble students presented a set of Spanish operas at the Koubek Center for Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 15.
Love and Tribulations: Patricia Aracadi plays Romanza de Rosa from Los Claveles at Opera Scenes, held at the Koubek Center on Oct. 15. During this scene, she sings passionately about the conflicts she faces with her lover Fernando.
In Tune: Soprano Byanca Aleman sings Mis Amores Son las Flores from the zarzuela Cecilia Valdés in an opera event at the Koubek Center on Oct. 15.
GEOVANNY MARCOS / THE REPORTER
GEOVANNY MARCOS / THE REPORTER
MDC Creates Consortium To Expand AI Education Nationwide
With the rise of artificial intelligence, Miami Dade College created a consortium with partnering institutions on Oct. 1 to educate the nation and create a workforce trained in AI.
By Daylyin Staples daylyin.staples001@mymdc.net
Powered by a $2.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation, a consortium of schools that includes Miami Dade College, Houston Community College and the Maricopa County Community College District are assisting other schools with developing artificial intelligence programs nationwide.
The National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, which was created on Oct. 1, will partner with companies, including Amazon Web Services, Intel, Microsoft, Dell, IBM and NVIDIA, to host faculty development workshops in AI. An annual AI Summit will also be held to help educators connect.
“We’re going to connect everybody involved in the teaching, in the development of this program, so that we all share with each other, which makes a much stronger
PACEMAKERS
An AI Nation: Miami Dade College and partnering institutions created the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium on Oct. 1 to increase AI education.
program for everybody,” said Eduardo Salcedo, an assistant professor at West Campus, who is participating in the program. With the rise of AI, the overarching goal of the initiative is to
create a diverse workforce trained in the technology, so people can apply it in their everyday life.
Miami Dade College and Houston Community College established the first associate’s and
bachelor’s of science in Applied AI in their respective states.
The Maricopa County Community College District launched Arizona’s first associate’s of science and certificate program in
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. And in the fall of 2025, the school will start a bachelor’s of science program in AI and Machine Learning.
“By embedding advanced AI training into our curriculum, MCCCD will equip the next generation of professionals with the experience needed to drive innovation and spur economic growth, creating both a national and global impact,” said Chancellor Steven R. Gonzales of MCCCD in a Miami Dade College press release on Aug. 5.
On Sept. 12, an additional $2 million grant was awarded to the three colleges by the NSF to develop an AI Entry Pathway Track to increase high schoolers and adult learners’ access to AI degrees.
The funding will pay for course development and materials for the AI Entry Pathway Track. The program will start in January.
“[We’re] really proud [of] the opportunity to help so many people nationally, and especially helping the educators that will later be teaching so many students,” said Antonio Delgado, vice president of innovation and technology partnerships at Miami Dade College.
Three Student Publications Are Finalists For The Pulitzer Prize Of College Media
Miambiance, AXIS and The Reporter have been chosen as finalists for a Pacemaker Award by the Associated Collegiate Press. The honor recognizes excellence in collegiate student media.
By Nikole Valiente nikole.valiente001@mymdc.net
The Reporter, Miambiance and AXIS have been named finalists for the Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award.
Renowned by many as the Pulitzer Prize of collegiate media, the honor recognizes overall excellence in student publications.
Winners will be announced at the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Association Fall National College Media Convention on Nov. 2.
The Reporter is the student newspaper at Miami Dade College; it was one of six publications selected as a finalist in the Two-Year Newspaper/Newsmagazines category.
To be considered, the paper submitted three issues produced during the 2023-24 school year. The work was analyzed by two teams of three judges. Judging was based on design and content.
“When I found out we were named a Pacemaker finalist, I got super excited because I know all the hard work that is put into each issue,” said Isabella Arce, The Reporter ’s editor-in-chief.
The Reporter has been a Pacemaker finalist the past six years, winning the award the last three. Since its genesis in 2010, the paper has been a finalist nine times and snagged five Pacemakers—2013, 2014, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
It covers news college-wide, produces a bi-weekly digital newsletter, prints 10,250 copies monthly and is augmented by presence on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Miambiance and AXIS are among the five community college magazines tabbed finalists in the Two-Year Literary Arts Magazine category.
Judging was conducted by three people with magazine-editing and advising experience and based on content produced last school year.
Both publications have also been named finalists for the CMA’s Organizational Pinnacle Award in the Two-Year Literary Magazine of the Year category. Winners will be announced on Nov. 1.
Miambiance is the literary arts magazine at Kendall Campus. Since its debut in 1989, the publication has secured three Pacemakers—2009, 2018 and 2022—and has been a finalist seven times in the last decade.
Volume 34 resembles a photo album, highlighting themes of family and personal growth through photographs, illustrations, short stories, poetry and music. The cover showcases a silhouette of a black tree, alluding to ancestry.
Miambiance , which also has a presence on Instagram and TikTok, debuted their latest volume during a launch party on Sept. 24.
“I’m extremely proud,” said Miambiance Editor-In-Chief Joelle Worcester. “Knowing that what we do was noticed by the Associated Collegiate Press feels really amazing; it reflects all the work we have put in.”
Launched in 2002, AXIS , North Campus’ creative arts magazine, has been a Pacemaker finalist the last seven years—earning
the prize in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Their latest issue, Volume 21, features a mosaic theme, spotlighting artworks such as poetry, photographs, illustrations and film that showcase people’s individuality. Its cover was inspired by African American artist Jacob Lawrence’s paintings and features a collage made with magazine paper. AXIS , which also has an Instagram account, is projected to debut Volume 21 in mid-October; a date and location has not been determined yet.
“We wanted to capture the essence of everyone’s pieces,” said AXIS Editor-In-Chief Josephine Thomas. “We wanted to show creative freedom.”
JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER
COVERS COURTESY OF AXIS THE REPORTER AND MIAMBIANCE
Pacemaker Hunting: AXIS , The Reporter and Miambiance are finalists for the Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award. Winners will be announced at the Fall National College Media Convention on Nov. 2.
Second Floor Of Learning Resources At North Campus Undergoing Facelift
Eight years ago, the first floor of North Campus’ Learning Resources was remodeled. Now, the second floor is undergoing construction with a budget of more than $1 million.
By Natalie Maestre natalie.maestre001@mymdc.net
Visitors to the second floor of Learning Resources at North Campus are greeted by a giant white tarp.
The dusty aesthetic is part of a two phase renovation project that started this summer and is expected to be complete by the end of the spring semester.
It will reshape the space that previously housed the computer courtyard into an academic support area loaded with tutoring labs and student study spaces.
“Now we have the computer courtyard back on the first floor, [and there’s] going to be more study spaces and furniture that [will] help students feel like they’re in a comfortable place,” said Angel Hernandez, North Campus director of Learning Resources.
The first phase, which will be called the Academic Support Center, is concentrated on rejuvenating the main space and making it student friendly. Utilizing a $1.2 million budget, its foundation will feature comfortable couches, moveable tables, and private desks.
Clifton Reid Jr., a tutor from the
School of Engineering and Technology, who worked in the old space, said the new ambiance will be a welcome addition.
“[The computer courtyard] was kind of cluttered.” Reid said. “Sometimes I would have multiple appointments at once to help out
students with different assignments, [and there wasn’t much] space to move around.”
According to Evelyn Rodriguez, the senior director of campus administration, the main space will open in a few months.
Phase two, which is expected to
be completed by next spring, will be tutoring centers, next to the main space, for every subject.
The writing center, a space which assists students with their English assignments, is located in Room 2210. Currently, the math lab, which
was remodeled last fall, is located in Room 2222 and houses tutoring for other subjects such as science, engineering and business. During phase two, those disciplines will be moved to individual tutoring centers.
The outer edges of the space are being converted into the new STEM REEFS Center for science and engineering cohorts. That area was previously used as classroom space. Crews are bringing in new furniture and technology and updating the floors and lighting.
A $5,000 STEM PACTS grant, which was awarded by the Department of Education, will fund the 2,543 sq. ft. space and its tutors.
“The center will feature open, adaptable spaces with modern furniture that can be reconfigured for group work, seminars, or individual study,” said Claudia Sanchez, grant director of STEM PACTS. “[They] will have whiteboards and projection systems to support different learning styles and teaching methods.”
Business tutoring will be offered in the new business resource center and the tutoring centers for foreign languages and speech will move from their respective areas to Learning Resources. The new speech lab will include technology needed to produce podcasts.
“The purpose of this project is to really make that second floor dedicated to student support,” Hernandez said.
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NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER
Under Construction: Renovations are happening at North Campus' Learning Resources, located in building 2000, to give students a more comfortable and resourceful study space.
MDC Establishes Academic Partnership With The Miccosukee Tribe Of Indians
In January, for the firsttime ever, Miami Dade College will offer classes at the Miccosukee Indian Reservation located along the Tamiami Trail.
By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net
Miami Dade College and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida are joining forces to make academic dreams come true.
On Sept. 12, they signed an agreement to offer MDC classes and student services at the Miccosukee Indian Reservation located along the Tamiami Trail, starting next spring.
Classes will include general education courses such as those offered at other MDC campuses. Because recruiting for the cohort has just started, it’s unclear how many students will participate.
“I’m a bit privileged to be part of the first cohort,” said the 19-yearold Heide Cypress who is majoring in political science. “Our ancestors were not even able to access these resources really easily, so I commend Miami Dade College for entering this agreement because they clearly see [a] future within us.”
For the past year, younger tribal members were offered dual
Collaboration: Miami Dade College and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida signed an agreement that allows the College to offer courses at the tribal community starting in January.
enrollment courses, which allow high school students to gain college credits. Classes were offered virtually and at West Campus, which is more than 30 miles from the reservation and a 45-minute drive.
“We’re making sure that physical distance is no longer a barrier to being able to take college classes,” said West Campus President Beverly Moore-García. “[Tribal members have] always been able to sign up [for] online classes, but,
as a student, you want to actually take a class with other students and a teacher, and they’ve never had that opportunity to do so in their own community.”
As part of the arrangement, the College will provide staff at the
Miccosukee Reservation to assist with student services such as admissions, registration, advisement, course placement and certification exams.
Staff from the Idea Center will host workshops about entrepreneurship to help tribal members scale up their small businesses.
“We saw a unique opportunity to partner with MDC because a lot of our students don’t have anything to lean on when it comes to the experience of going to college,” said Chairman Talbert Cypress of the Miccosukee Tribe, who oversees the business council of tribal members and employees of the tribe. “It’s important to provide a structure for them, so they can best succeed rather than just tossed on a campus.”
Tuition, fees, books and supplies will be funded by the Tribe. Additionally, they will provide tribal members with spaces such as a media center and gymnasium, classrooms, labs and offices.
Garret Rockwell, 23, a future anthropology student, sees the partnership as a game changer.
“I really hope it puts some enthusiasm into [the younger generation], and they realize that the opportunity that they have now to pursue higher education is a lot easier than they believe it is,” Rockwell said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GIORGIO VIERA/ MDC MEDIA RELATIONS
Podcast Features Kendall Campus Events, Personalities And Offerings
FROM KENDALL SPEAKS, FRONT Government Association.
Guests included President Yosdany Angulo-Cartas, Vice President Mia Salas, Treasurer Sofia Lozano, Director of Public Speaking and Engagement Sofia Tarno, President Pro Tempore Michelle Zimmerman and SGA Advisor Karen Ramirez.
They discussed their experiences at the College, including clubs and extracurriculars they have joined, campus events and scholarship opportunities, and also chatted about social media’s effect on mental health and their favorite movies.
“[The podcast] provides a direct channel for students to share their thoughts and be heard by both peers and administration,” Angulo-Cartas said.
Upcoming episodes will feature the School of Global Business, the School of Engineering & Technology, the ACCESS department and The Reporter
In the future, Stewart hopes to release Kendall Speaks every Friday on other platforms
“This is a huge campus with [more than] 20,000 students and it’s hard sometimes to get programs and events out, and I thought this would be a natural way to hit a different segment of our student population.
Bryan Stewart, Kendall Campus President
such as Spotify and add a video component.
“What I hope happens is that maybe [students] start talking about it to their friends, and maybe there’s excitement. ‘Hey, what’s next week’s podcast?’ ” Stewart said. “I would love it if people start coming to me and saying, 'Hey, I’d love to be on that podcast.' To me, that would mean that we’re hitting the right audience.”
Here’s What You Need To Know About The 2024 Election
FROM VOTE, FRONT respectively.
election. That’s our goal.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Citizens casting their ballot must bring photo identification with their name and signature— like a Florida driver’s license, state ID and United States passport—or some form of identification with their name and address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or government check.
Voter registration cards are highly encouraged, but not required, to facilitate the check-in process.
People can also opt to vote by mail. Vote-by-Mail ballots can be requested by visiting Miami-Dade County’s online portal at https:// tinyurl.com/yh8jcnnn or emailing votebymail@miamidade.gov.
The deadline to request a ballot is Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. Ballots must be mailed or turned in to the MiamiDade Elections Department, 2700 N.W. 87th Ave., by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
“[By doing] something as simple as casting a ballot… believe it or not, you are impacting so many lives that you will never know or never meet,” said Melissa Lau, grant coordinator for the Poll Workers Are Heroes campaign.
WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT
The ballot’s main attraction is the presidential election where Republican Donald J. Trump squares off against Democratic candidate Kamala D. Harris. Their running mates are Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz,
That race is followed by the United States and Florida Congressional candidates.
Nominees include: Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell vying for U.S. Senator, Republican Mario-DiazBalart and Democrat Joey Atkins battling to be the District 26 U.S. Representative, and Republican Bryan Avila and Democrat Charles A. Lewis I competing to be the District 39 Florida Senator.
Voters can also decide if Florida Supreme Court Justices Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso, and three judges on the 3rd District Court of Appeal should remain in office.
The Miami-Dade County sheriff’s race, an office that hasn’t been voted on since 1966, features Republican nominee Rosanna “Rosie” Cordero-Stutz and Democratic candidate James Reyes.
The rest of the ballot has nominees for offices such as property appraiser, tax collector, county judge, supervisor of elections and the school board members.
To read a detailed list of candidates and request a sample ballot, which is written in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycyx5tcm.
“We always think about the president’s race…but nothing is going to impact you more than the issues locally,” said Komarvoski “Tron” Wells, North Campus’ iCED director.
The Six Proposed Amendments
“[By doing] something as simple as casting a ballot… believe it or not, you are impacting so many lives that you will never know or never meet.
Melissa Lau, grant coordinator for the Poll Workers Are Heroes campaign
Amendment 1—Instituting Partisan School Board Elections
This amendment proposes for school board members to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election.
Voting “yes” would allow political parties to nominate candidates—requiring them to list their political affiliation on the ballot— while voting “no” would let candidates remain nonpartisan.
Amendment 2—Establishing Fishing And Hunting As A State Constitutional Right
This amendment proposes for fishing and hunting to be listed as rights protected by the Florida State Constitution.
It does not nullify the authority of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, an agency that manages and enforces laws regarding the state’s fish and wildlife resources.
Voting “yes” would hinder state
legislators from restricting certain methods of fishing or hunting, whereas voting “no” would make it easier to limit both activities.
Amendment 3—Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
This amendment proposes to allow adults 21 years old or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products and accessories for non-medical purposes.
It would also permit people, organizations and medical marijuana treatment centers with a state license to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell and distribute marijuana.
Voting “no” would keep the state’s existing law, which only allows the consumption and sale of marijuana for medical purposes.
Amendment 4—Right To Abortion
This amendment proposes to prohibit Florida from banning, penalizing, delaying or restricting abortion before fetal viability—the period at which a fetus can survive outside the womb—or when deemed necessary by a physician to protect the patient’s health.
It does not nullify the Florida Legislature’s constitutional authority to require parents or guardians to be notified before a minor has an abortion.
Voting “yes” would legalize abortion before the period of fetal viability and when a doctor deems the mother’s safety is at stake; voting “no” would keep Florida’s current abortion law, which bans most abortions after the first six
weeks of pregnancy.
Amendment 5—Homestead Exemption Inflation Adjustment
This amendment proposes an annual adjustment for inflation to homestead exemptions, which are tax breaks given on homes based on their assessed value.
Voting “yes” would allow homestead tax exemptions to increase or decrease alongside inflation, whereas voting “no” would leave the current exemption as inflation changes.
Amendment 6—Repeal of Public Campaign Financing
This amendment proposes the repeal of state funding for candidates running for statewide offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief financial officer and commissioner of agriculture.
Voting “yes” would no longer allow taxpayer money to fund campaigns for statewide offices, whereas voting “no” would maintain public financing for candidates.
“You get to really put your opinions forward when you vote,” said Arianna Aragon, a Kendall Campus iCED civic ambassador and peer advocate for the Poll Workers Are Heroes campaign. “If you don’t vote, you’re letting everyone else speak for you.”
For iCED’s voter’s guide, visit https://tinyurl.com/pubdzpd7.
Staff writer Isabella Arce contributed to this report.
A Community Podcast: President Bryan Stewart (pictured in white dress shirt) hosts Kendall Speaks, a podcast that features students, faculty, staff and events at the campus. It launched on Sept. 11.
CRISTIAN LAZZAR I/ MEDIA SERVICES
Miami Dade College Showcases Latin Pride During Hispanic Heritage Month
This fall, Miami Dade College is honoring Hispanic culture and success with a vibrant lineup of events, including live music, food, guest speakers, workshops and games.
By Natalie Maestre natalie.maestre001@mymdc.net
Miami Dade College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a showcase of distinctive events.
This year’s college-wide theme is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together. During the celebration, campuses will showcase Hispanic success in the academic, business and art world.
“Our identity goes beyond just being fun to be around,” said Clairem Diaz, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee chair at Kendall Campus. “We’re a really hard working culture and we’re pretty smart.”
The opening event, Las Banderas, was held on Sept. 15 at Fred Shaw Plaza at Kendall Campus. Students, faculty and staff displayed flags representing their respective Latin American countries.
Kendall Campus’ Fireside Chat on Sept. 30 was a Q&A style discussion with successful Latinos
in the arts and media arenas, including MDC’s Executive Director of Cultural Affairs María Carla Chicuén, poet laureate Caridad Moro, photographer Tony Chirinos, journalist Lucho Borrego and musician Marlow Rosado.
On Oct. 8, West Campus held a Latino Influences in Business presentation. Panelists
included MDC alumni such as Sandra Ochoa, chief executive officer of VEMAX Insurance, and Alexa Oliva, executive director of BOWAworld, a leadership training organization.
Martin Maradiaga, a business student at Hialeah Campus, who attended the Pioneers of Rhythm: A Mariachi’s Journey Through
Book A Ticket To The Miami Book Fair
The Books Are Back: The Miami Book Fair will invade downtown from Nov. 17-24 for its 41st rendition, with authors, books, performances and food.
FROM MBF, FRONT
things out there in the world, and adventure can be really fun,” Drosdowech said. “I really wanted to convey that idea to the kids.”
Admission to the Street Fair is free to the public on Nov. 22 and on all three days to MDC students, staff and faculty with a valid school ID.
Off The Shelf, a music outdoor hangout billed as “a mini music festival with books” will offer art exhibitions, literary events and performances from Nov. 22-24, including a teen poetry open mic night on Nov. 22.
Live Arts Miami will have two 8 p.m. shows—Nov. 22 and 23—at the Koubek Center, 2705 S.W. Third Street, of Huang Yi & KUKA, a dance duet between a human ensemble and a robot “exploring the delicate balance between man and machine.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased on https://tinyurl.com/tnbpc6s5.
Miami-based artist GeoVanna Gonzalez’s Flowing Pathways , an exhibit that asks viewers to ruminate on their journey and how it shaped them, will be inaugurated at the Book Fair on Nov. 22.
It will be based at the third street entrance of Kyriakidis Plaza.
Book Fair's staple Children’s Alley, entrenched in the heart of the Street Fair, will provide family-friendly fun, including theatrical performances, interactive science activities and book readings.
“Reading is a very important way to learn when you’re little,” said Lissette Mendez, the executive director of the Book Fair. “It’s important that children are exposed to books and that they associate reading with fun.”
For a detailed guide of all the Book Fair events, go here: https://bit.ly/3YaDcR7
Time —a performance by the Mariachi Voces de America on Oct. 2—enjoyed the blending of Mexican music and Venezuelan food at the event.
“Try to expand your [knowledge of] Hispanic culture more and more,” Maradiaga said. “Try and learn it because it’s beautiful.”
The Learning Commons at
Padrón Campus showcased books and poems published by renowned Hispanic authors on Oct. 15.
In addition, the campus hosted Museum of Art and Design resident and mixed media artist Ema Ri. The Cuban-American artist engaged with students during several pop up-style events throughout the month.
Homestead Campus hosted a Hispanic Cultural Celebration on Oct. 16. It featured music, food and live performances.
Piñata Palooza was held from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Medical Campus, 950 N.W. 20th St. It included piñatas and games such as pin the tail on the donkey and limbo dancing.
On Oct. 30, North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., is hosting a tango dance performance in the 5000 building at the Lehman Theater at 6 p.m. It will feature the Escuela Argentina, an educational center dedicated to connecting American children to their Argentinean parents’ culture.
For more information about other upcoming Hispanic Heritage events, visit https://calendar.mdc. edu/.
Hispanic Pride: Miami Dade College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of on-campus events, featuring music, food, games and workshops.
ISABEL PAZ / THE REPORTER
Gurgel’s Offense Catapults Lady Sharks To Top Of National Rankings
Forward Julia Gurgel leads the Lady Sharks with ten goals this season. The 19-year-old has been a major force, catapulting Miami Dade College to 13th in the national rankings.
By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net
The Lady Sharks soccer team is off to a hot start during its inaugural season. Their 9-3 record has them shooting up the National Junior College Athletic Association division I women’s soccer poll.
Currently, they are ranked 13th in the country.
A major reason for that is the play of freshman forward Julia Gurgel. The Brazilian-born striker leads the team with 10 goals and 20 points.
“It brings me joy to help my team,” Gurgel said.
Her breakout performance was on Sept. 27 when the uber-talented forward scored two goals in a 3-2 win versus Eastern Florida State College, who at the time was the ninth-ranked team in the country.
“She’s been a huge contributing factor to the success of the team this season,” said Lady Sharks Head Coach Ramiro Vengoechea.
the squad with 10 goals and 20 points.
“Her being able to provide the goals in some of the big games has really helped us for sure.” Gurgel started playing soccer
at the age of seven in her hometown of João Pessoa, a coastal city in the northeastern part of Brazil. She aspired to play like her idols,
Brazilian icon Neymar Júnior, and soccer legend Lionel Messi.
“I love the competition of the game,” Gurgel said. “Also to be a
part of a team, and the friends you make.”
But her biggest role model is her mother Germana Bezerra.
“It was always the two of us and she was always with me for everything,” Gurgel said.
Gurgel sharpened her soccer toolkit at Colégio Marista Assunção. That opportunity eventually led her to join soccer clubs: Grêmio and Futebol Com Vida.
In 2022, she played in five games for Grêmio and tallied two goals. Last year, she played in seven games at Futebol Com Vida and scored six goals.
Eventually, Gurgel’s film caught the eye of Vengoechea, as he was building his first roster at MDC.
The 19-year-old’s talent has fit in flawlessly with the Lady Sharks.
On October 5, Gurgel scored both goals in MDC’s 2-0 win versus Monroe Community College. The loss is the only blemish on the 12th-ranked Mustangs record this season.
“Julia is an amazing player on and off the field,” said Sharks defender Elizabeth Mata. “Her positive energy, combined with the vibrant Brazilian culture she brings lifts our spirits and keeps us motivated.”
Top Scorer: Julia Gurgel has put on an offensive clinic for the Lady Sharks soccer team this season. She leads
MARCOS J. COMESAÑA / THE REPORTER
Sophomore Alonzo Leading Lady Sharks During Perfect Season
Katielle Alonzo leads the Lady Sharks volleyball team with 151 kills, 3.6 kills per set and 167.5 total points this season. Her performance has catapulted the team to a 16-0 start.
By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net
The Lady Sharks volleyball team is off to a 16-0 start this season, making them the top-ranked community college team in the nation. They have defeated two top-five programs—defending national champion Florida Southwestern State College, who was the topranked team at the time, and Salt Lake Community College—during the run.
A huge part of their success can be attributed to the dominant play of sophomore outside hitter Katielle Alonzo.
The 19-year-old has had various notable performances this year, including a breakout game against FSW on Sept. 17 in which Alonzo led the Lady Sharks with 22 kills and 24.5 total points. Her play propelled Miami Dade College to a 3-2 win against the Buccaneers.
This season, Alonzo leads the team with 151 kills, 3.6 kills per set and 167.5 total points in 13 games played. She is also third on the squad with a .370 hitting
Super Sophomore: Middle Blocker Katielle Alonzo leads the Lady Sharks with 151 kills and 167.5 total points this season.
percentage.
“Katielle has contributed a lot to the team this year,” said libero Mia Martinez. “When it comes to play-
That production is on par with last season when she was second on the team with 2.51 kills per set and third with 193 total kills. She
Alonzo started playing volleyball in her hometown of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic when she was seven-years-old.
“I like everything about volleyball,” Alonzo said.
Before coming to MDC, Alonzo gained experience playing for various club teams, in high school and the Dominican Republic’s U19 and U20 squads.
Alonzo won the best outside hitter award in back-to-back years at the Pan American U19 cup. She has gained international experience representing the Dominican Republic in Croatia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hungary.
“She’s a very strong player,” said Sharks head coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit. “Having the ability or experience to play against the best players around the world in her age range is definitely bringing a lot to the table.”
Alonzo left the Dominican Republic last year after Benoit offered her a scholarship. The decision was an easy one—the Lady Sharks have played in back-to-back national championship games—and because her father lives eight minutes from the Kendall Campus.
“In every game she looks for quick and effective solutions, contributing 100% to the team,” said Sharks middle blocker Esthefany Rabit. “She is a player you can always rely on for every point, and I admire how she keeps calm when
SOPHIA MASSIE / THE REPORTER
OBSESSIVE FANS
When Does Fan Behavior Go Too Far?
Singer/songwriter Chappell Roan speaks out against “creepy” fan behavior: “I feel more love than I ever have in my life. I feel the most unsafe I have ever felt in my life,” Roan said in an Instagram post.
By Gabriela Bribiesca gabriel.bribiesca001@mymdc.net
Chappell Roan, otherwise known as “your favorite artists’ favorite artist” rose to fame after opening for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” tour in February.
However, some speculate that Roan wasn’t built for the rapid rise to fame she’s experienced since Rodrigo’s vast audience brought more attention to her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”
Although the album was released in 2023, it recently had six songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Roan’s latest release, Good Luck, Babe! has proven to be an even bigger success, and charted at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
That rise in popularity has greatly benefited Roan, but the singer has expressed concern about “creepy” fan behavior.
Roan stated her frustration with how fans treat her in public on TikTok: “if you saw a random woman on the street, would you yell at her from the car window? Would you harass her in public?... I am a random [person].”
She added in a second video that even though her job makes her a public figure,
fans demanding a photo or yelling at her in public is inappropriate.
The singer explains, “I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job…that does not make it okay…"
Yelling and harassing someone in public is never okay. So why does the sentiment change when someone is famous?
Social media like TikTok and Instagram make it easier for fans to feel connected to celebrities due to the constant influx of content they produce.
That makes it easier for fans to cross boundaries in public and take their love for artists too far. Being followed, stalked, touched, and yelled is unacceptable behavior.
The lack of boundaries against intense superfan behavior is dangerous for artists and their families, who are often stalked by fans. It’s also mentally draining to feel like there is no separation between an artist’s personal life and public persona.
Chappell Roan’s statement on fan’s inappropriate behavior should be taken seriously. Just because a fan loves an artist’s work does not mean that harassing them in public is okay.
Embrace The Season With Our Top Movie Picks For Fall
As we go through October, the days grow darker, and the weather cools; this is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a warm drink and watch a good movie. So, to welcome fall, here are some seasonappropriate movies.
By Nalini Singh nalini.singh001@mymdc.net
The days grow shorter and Florida becomes cooler and rainier. It’s clear that some semblance of fall is upon us, bringing the spirit of the spooky season with it. It’s time to put the days of sweltering summer heat and sun behind us and welcome the gloomier weather with a movie lineup that embraces the spooky and whimsy of the season. Here are some of my top movie picks for the season.
Scream
From all the slasher films out there, Scream , one of the most iconic and classic of the genre, is an obvious pick for the list. The story follows a high school student and her friends who become the targets of Ghostface, a masked killer terrorizing the town. They must uncover the truth about the killer but try not to lose their life in the process. The movie is self-referential, making fun of the genre while giving us one of the most iconic scream queens ever and compelling characters that led to the movie’s long-lasting legacy.
Coraline
Don’t let the animated aspect of Coraline fool you; this movie will suck you into its world and leave you on the edge of your seat. The film is a dark fantasy film that follows a curious girl who discovers a small hidden door that leads to a picture-perfect parallel universe, except for the buttons for eyes
Cozy Movies: With Halloween right around the corner, leave summer behind in favor of fall. Enjoy some movies that embrace the change to get you into the mood for the new season.
everyone dons. Soon, that pictureperfect fantasy starts to unravel as she uncovers the alternate reality’s sinister secrets. The horrorfantasy fusion, coupled with the artistry of stop-motion animation, creates a charming yet unnervingly eerie watch experience. The Rocky Horror Picture Show Every fan of musicals knows about the campy The Rocky Horror
Picture Show. The musical follows the story of a couple who discover a mansion filled with eccentric, wild characters and adventures. Filled with songs that will be stuck in your head for days, and outfits that fall somewhere between glam rock and cabaret, the production seamlessly blends comedy, horror, and rock music, for an in-yourface, fun experience. While initial
reviews were subpar at best, it has withstood the test of time and has become a cult classic.
Us
For horror fans, Us is a movie that will leave you filled with a sense of sheer horror that slowly dons on you as the film unravels. The psychological horror film follows a family whose relaxing vacation turns for the worst when
confronted by their sinister doppelgangers who are slightly off. If the more personal main plot wasn’t compelling enough, the overarching plot delivers chilling social commentary about the fear of outsiders and class inequality. The movie is filled with suspense and a horrifyingly unsettling ending that will leave you jumping at your shadow afterward.
Twitches
If you love whimsical adventures and family tales, Twitches is for you. The underrated Disney Channel Original Movie follows separated-at-birth twin sisters, Alex and Camryn, who discover they have magical powers on their 21st birthday and unite to save their homeland, Coventry, from an evil force called the Darkness. The enchanting mystical kingdom of Coventry and the recurring sun and moon motifs are enough to draw in anyone who loves a little whimsy, while the heartwarming storyline of the twins embracing the power of love is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.
Harry Potter Film Series
The Harry Potter series is the right move for those seeking cozy fall vibes and a touch of magic, without fully diving into the Halloween spirit. The movies follow the journey of a young wizard and his friends as they navigate Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fighting against school bullies and great evil simultaneously. The movies are classics, filled with fantasy, adventure, and loveable characters. Embrace the magical and fantastic as the wizarding world sucks you in, and cheer and cry with our protagonists as they embark on the timeless battle between good and evil.
Fan Behavior: Chappell Roan has called out “creepy" fan behavior in a series of social media posts on TikTok and Instagram, sparking a new wave of discourse on the celebrity/fan relationship.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMUSEMENT RECORDS MOVIES
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY YAP / UNSPLASH
Is TikTok The New Billboard Top 100?
TikTok has changed how entertainment and social media are presented. Music is no exception. The way songs gain success has changed due to TikTok, where a measure of virality takes pertinence over artistry.
By Natalie Maestre natalie.maestre001@mymdc.net
Social media has sparked a new phenomenon about how pieces of media become popular. The appeal is how they relay their information: short, specific, catchy, and entertaining clips.
Those snippets have become the determinant factor in what will be popular, why, and for how long. It has become instrumental in structuring today’s fashion, humor, and standards. Most notable, however, is how platforms have created this generation’s evolving soundtrack.
Artists, such as Chappell Roan, Noah Kahan, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla, and Artemas, have reached fame through TikTok.
What do they have in common?
They all released their most popular song around 2018 when TikTok started becoming popular.
Take Billie Eilish’s emotional ballads “Happier Than Ever” and “What Was I Made For” for
Social Media: TikTok's impact on pop culture is undeniable. It has affected all facets, from the content released to new content marketing, and in no industry is this more apparent than the music industry.
example. Even though she had some popular songs, after the two went viral on TikTok, Eilish skyrocketed to new levels of fame, becoming a household name.
“What Was I Made For,” created by Eilish for the Barbie movie, honed in on the confusion many young girls face as they grow up,
losing themselves in an attempt to fit into society’s fluid standards. The song captivated fans everywhere. Its success ensured everyone was well aware of her next project, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
Almost immediately, three songs from the album were trending when released.
Chappell Roan faced similar success, skyrocketing after songs like “HOT TO GO!” and “Good Luck, Babe!” gained virality. The songs focused on upbeat tunes with hard-hitting lyrics about winning over your crush and the consequences of not being able to accept one’s sexuality. Both
opened doors to the LGBTQ community and pop listeners.
However, just because an artist has made it on the platform does not guarantee success. The trend associated with their song is their key to success, such as NXCRE’s “Usurper,” currently being played in a satirical context.
In the same way that punk was known to attract rowdy crowds, NXCRE is expected to accompany memes due to the comedic nature of the TikTok trend sparked by the song. Therefore, it is less likely to be played in a serious or casual social setting.
Of course, some artists made music long before the rise of TikTok became popular. Older music has also been resurgent through unrelated trends. Tears for Fears, Bronski Beat, Alphaville, and the Eurythmics have relived their era of popularity through trends.
Tinashe is a prime example. Despite releasing her first album, Aquarius, in 2016, she only gained viral popularity earlier this year due to the release of “Nasty.”
Both songs, old and new alike, are having their time to shine on TikTok, and the common denominator to virality is a hook that sinks its claws into you and your TikTok feed.
Fall 2024 Wardrobe Essentials
With the crisp autumn air ready to meet us next month, now is the time to invest in a few new wardrobe pieces. But the real question is: what should you buy?
By Melanie Bello melanie.bello002@mymdc.net
As Labor Day weekend passes, the summer of 2024 has come to an end. This leaves a familiar question resurfacing for most: What clothes should I buy to revamp my wardrobe and possibly expand my style? This annual dilemma presents an opportunity for a style refresh.
Back-to-school shopping is convenient because it coincides with the beginning of autumn. Clothes that were once introduced in May/ June slowly move to the sales rack to make space for newer, more invogue items.
So, what should you consider investing in? It’s always a particularly tricky subject, as it’s so easy to fall into a microtrend and then not wear a garment more than twice.
Nevertheless, certain styles persistently linger on racks, beckoning for attention. Bows, in particular, seem to have become a staple in fashion this year, adding a touch of whimsy and femininity to any simple piece.
After witnessing Prada’s Fall/
Fall Clothes: The upcoming fall season is the perfect time to go shopping. So as the weather cools, expand your wardrobe with some of the trends in style this season.
Winter show, which featured a range of shift dresses adorned with silk ribbons, it is wise to add a few pieces with bows to your wardrobe.
Moreover, the widespread popularity of brands like ShuShu/ Tong and Sandy Liang, renowned for their ultra-feminine styles, indicates that the coquette aesthetic is here to stay, which plays well
with the bow motifs previously mentioned.
Knee-high boots are another motif that continues to strongly influence fall and winter trends.
In addition to Prada, which paired them with shift dresses, they were also seen in Loewe and Chloe.
In addition to being popular, knee-high boots are an extremely versatile choice of footwear. They
can easily be styled with both casual and formal looks, making them a must-have.
Adaptable pieces like kneehigh boots work well with the formal-casual style fusion that has seemed to creep its way from spring into fall fashion. Miu Miu pairing blazers with sneakers and GCDS combining overly dressy coats with casual graphic T-shirts
are good examples of the formalcasual mix.
Since the fall season marks vacation season and the beginning of people heading back to work and school, Schiaparelli presents a quirky take on contemporary office wear by pairing a matching pantsuit with a tie crafted from hair. While it isn’t practical, it serves as a reminder that office wear can be fun when done correctly, as it is easy to succumb to the serious nature of the clothing.
An effective approach to achieving this is to experiment with a mix of textures and patterns in your outfits, adding depth and visual interest to your overall look. Consider opting for bold colors like red or royal purple, as seen in Nina Ricci’s ready-to-wear collection. You can also add dimension to office looks by incorporating unexpected accessories, such as unique handbags or statement jewelry.
The upcoming season for fashion is exciting as the weather gets cooler in Miami. This allows for various opportunities to finally play around with layering and incorporating different fabrics like wool and leather that would normally be too heat-inducing in the summer months.
Nalini Singh A&E Editor // T (305) 237-2715 // B nalini.singh001@mymdc.net
ISABEL PAZ / THE REPORTER
LISA SUAREZ / THE REPORTER
FASHION
Each Of Us Has To Define Our Own American Dream
Naya Escandon discusses her family’s meaning of the American Dream and how she has come to realize that no one has the same definition.
By Naya Escandon naya.escandon001@mymdc.net
The American Dream doesn’t have a singular definition anymore. Today, it resembles a painting of diverse opinions.
Through my parents, I have seen the relationship that most immigrants face with the American Dream.
My dad, who immigrated from Cuba in 1978, tells me that he saw the United States full of hope and opportunity for anyone to better their life. He dreamed of gaining freedom and attending school to become a successful attorney.
When he arrived, that dream began to fade as he had to put it aside to survive the harsh reality of living here. His idea of the American Dream quickly became
“with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve success.”
Though it is an inspiring notion to live by, it doesn’t apply to everyone.
For lower class people in the United States, the dream is to break through poverty and to live a better life.
I have seen family and friends who have worked tirelessly to develop their dream life, only to run into massive barriers. Many have come to realize that with minimal college education, they are limited to the job opportunities they
qualify for.
People of color have faced historical injustices, such as slavery and segregation, which has created a significant inequality as they strive to achieve prosperity in their lives.
For women, the American Dream represents success in their professional lives or financial independence; however, they also face societal expectations and gender inequality. As a result, many women end up having to put their careers on the back burner.
Those obstacles, big or small,
can hold anyone back and make it difficult for them to achieve the American Dream.
The media also plays a crucial role in how people are developing their perspectives.
Whether it is through television or TikTok, public perceptions of unrealistic lifestyles are being displayed through perfect appearances, relationships and finances.
An example of this can be seen through Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of one of my favorite shows, Sex and the City. Somehow she is able to afford a $700,000
apartment in the Upper East Side of New York City with a $50,000 salary. That creates unrealistic expectations for viewers and has some people questioning, “Why can’t I live in a fancy home while making the same salary as her?”
The media continues to create fictional expectations and cloud the reality of how we each can achieve the American Dream. However, it’s up to every person to make their own definition of the American Dream and power through it.
People Should Take Claims Against MSG With A Grain Of Salt
Sean Yakobson discusses the origins of monosodium glutamate—a seasoning that makes meals taste savory— and the arguments against the additive and why it’s safe to eat it in moderation.
By Sean Yakobson sean.yakobson001@mymdc.net
Some people put it on everything they cook; others don’t want anything to do with it.
I’m talking about MSG.
Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamate, an amino acid naturally found in humans and foods such as tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus and cheese.
The odorless, tasteless white powder, which is produced by fermenting products like sugar cane, beet or cornstarch, makes food taste savory thanks to its power to induce salivation.
However, in recent decades, MSG has been pegged as a harmful food additive. But is the seasoning
as bad as people make it seem? Are consumers of MSG putting themselves at risk? And how prevalent is it in our products?
Before answering these questions, let’s look at its history.
Monosodium glutamate was discovered in 1908 by a Japanese chemistry professor named Kikunae Ikeda. After eating a dish of boiled tofu, which was flavored with a seaweed-based broth, Ikeda started studying its chemical composition.
The following year, he concluded that L-glutamic acid (glutamate), an amino acid, was responsible for the meal’s savory flavor, which he coined umami, Japanese for “delicious, savory taste.” When paired with sodium, MSG was born.
Ikeda patented the seasoning in 1909, launching its mass production for commercial use. In the next decades, MSG spread like wildfire, making its way to the United States in canned foods, processed meats and chicken stock.
Decades later, however, its reputation was tarnished.
In the 1960s, a Maryland physician named Robert Ho Man Kwok wrote a letter to the The New England Journal of Medicine, claiming the MSG in Chinese food caused him to feel palpitations, numbness and weakness.
This gave rise to the Chinese
Restaurant Syndrome, an illness characterized by similar symptoms, including headaches, dizziness and sweating. Since then, research published by the National Library of Medicine has found that side effects of MSG are often due to overindulgence. The United States’ Food and Drug Administration also deems MSG safe for consumption under their “Generally Recognized As Safe” criteria.
Like anything else in life, moderation is key. Today, MSG can be found in highly processed convenience foods containing high amounts of sodium and fat, including instant noodles, lunch meat and potato chips. Fast food restaurants such as Chick-fil-A, KFC and McDonald’s also use the seasoning on their chicken and fries. Consumers need to be more cautious of the unhealthy ingredients
combined with MSG in fast-food restaurant or grocery store items. People who aren’t can develop dangerous eating habits or medical issues from the overload of MSG and the excess consumption of unhealthy food items.
So, next time you go grocery shopping or to a restaurant, don’t just stare at the MSG listed on the ingredients label—look at the ingredients that precede or follow it.
JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER
JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER
// FORUM
What Does It Mean To Be Latino?
Yazid Guelida shares his experience growing up in the United States disconnected from his Colombian roots and how he learned to define what being Latino is.
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
When you think of a Latino, what comes to mind?
For some, a Latino is someone who speaks fluent Spanish, loves reggaeton and bachata or is passionate about their country’s fútbol team.
As someone who was born in the United States and is the product of a Moroccan father and a Colombian mother, the word “Latino” holds a different meaning.
Growing up, I was immersed in the Western culture and followed different music, shows and sports from my Colombian counterparts.
In 2014, when Colombia played their first World Cup in 16 years, their success was not important to me.
Basketball was more popular
DAYDREAMING
than fútbol in America, so the only James I knew was Lebron James, not James Rodríguez.
As a result, I didn’t understand Colombians’ passion for soccer and felt disconnected from them.
Today, I have improved my Spanish and found my love for fútbol, yet I am still criticized for not being Latino enough.
What else must I do to prove myself?
Many Latino immigrants and their descendants feel the same way.
According to a national survey conducted by the Pew Research
Center in 2015, only about 77 percent of Hispanic immigrants’ grandchildren identify as Hispanic and only 50 percent of every generation identifies as Hispanic. Latinos who have assimilated to American culture have lost a piece of their identity. Thousands, like my mother and grandmother, have immigrated to the U.S. seeking better lives for themselves and their children. There’s no shame in chasing prosperity—so why are current generations shamed for not being in touch with their roots?
Many Latinos believe that with
hard work, success can be attained, and it’s the highest form in which one can make their family proud.
This belief is represented in immigrants’ children, who can achieve this dream of success with the new opportunities presented to them.
Being a “true” Latino in the U.S. isn’t about the music you listen to, the sports you follow, or even the languages you know. Rather, it’s about embracing the ambitious values instilled by your immigrant ancestors—that is the ultimate expression of being Latino.
Excessive Daydreaming And Its Impact On Our Mental Health
Daniella Barbieri explains what excessive daydreaming means and how it can negatively impact your mental health and ability to complete simple daily tasks.
By Daniella Barbieri daniella.barbieri001@mymdc.net
In the 1900s, Freud described dreaming as a “royal road to the unconscious mind,” but he didn’t factor in daydreaming, which involves a conscious focus on our internal thoughts.
Prolonged or maladaptive daydreaming raises important questions about its impact on mental health.
It is a phenomenon characterized by vivid fantasies that interfere with daily life, particularly among young adults and teenagers who have experienced childhood trauma or abuse.
Complex storylines can generate strong emotional responses such as feelings of loneliness, frustration, guilt, discouragement and identity crisis that can lead to distress due to the stark contrast between the idealized scenarios and reality.
Although the condition isn’t recognized as a formal disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, researchers suggest that it can serve as a coping mechanism for those with mental health illnesses including anxiety, depression or dissociative disorders.
For example, a recent study showed that 80% of its participants were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and engaged in extensive daydreaming as a way to cope with challenges in focusing.
An official assessment hasn’t been designed to identify maladaptive dreaming. While measures to evaluate mind-wandering exist, they fail to address the pathological aspects and lack metrics for controlling mental distress and social dysfunctions.
However, the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 self-assessment tool is used to observe the daydreaming frequency, urgency and interference with task
completion.
Treatment options may include psychotherapy and medications such as anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants or antipsychotics.
If you frequently mind-wander or talk to yourself, it doesn’t necessarily indicate you are a maladaptive daydreamer.
The average human has between 6,000 to 70,000 thoughts per day fighting for attention, shaping your emotions and influencing your actions. You have to be mindful of how these thoughts affect you and distinguish whether they foster personal growth or trigger
negativity. Achieving a balance of introspection and external relationships is equally essential. This equilibrium allows you to process your thoughts while enhancing resilience and gaining insights from those around you.
As long as your internal dialogues are more about reflection and planning rather than a desire to escape from reality, they can be quite healthy. Mind-wandering can be beneficial for creativity, problem-solving and mental relaxation, until excessive daydreaming alters your reality.
Quiroz
Briones
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